GEDCOM Files
What Is a GEDCOM
File?
There are several quality family tree software programs on the market that compile your family history in an easy-to-read format. The drawback to using these types of software is that each program uses a special file type that is specific to that software to save the information. This makes it impossible to share files between programs. To solve this problem, there is a universal generic file type called GEDCOM which stands for GEnealogic Data COMmunications. Almost all family genealogy programs currently on the market give the user the ability to import and export files in a GEDCOM file format. All files uploaded to the Online Family Tree or to the Ancestry World Tree must be in GEDCOM file format.
If you need to purchase a family history software application that will allow you to export a GEDCOM file, check out the Ancestry.com Online Store.